As we remove our winter layers, it’s time to make way for a lighter, fresher wardrobe. I built this spring capsule wardrobe to help you effortlessly transition from winter to spring.
Get the wardrobe essentials and spring outfit ideas below.
WHAT IS A SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE?
A spring capsule wardrobe is a collection of transitional clothing items that you can mix and match easily for beautiful outfits. Spring is a time of transition and your closet should mirror that. Swap thick coats for lighter jackets, reintroduce dresses to the mix, and move out boots in favor of open-back shoes like classic mules.
A spring wardrobe brings the benefits of a typical capsule wardrobe– easier outfit creation, less clutter in your closet, and quality pieces that make you feel confident.
If you’re not convinced yet, the pieces below will win you over.
HOW MANY OUTFITS CAN YOU MAKE?
This spring capsule wardrobe features 20 pieces total – 17 clothing items and three pairs of shoes. Here’s the breakdown: Tops (6) Bottoms (5) Dresses (2) Outerwear (4) Shoes (3)
Let’s calculate the total unique outfits:
Multiply the options for each category together: 6 (tops) * 5 (bottoms) * 4 (outerwear) = 120 outfit combinations.
Yes, you can create 120 unique outfits just by mixing and matching items. Keep in mind this doesn’t include the dress and shoe options. So there are even more outfit combinations available.
MY 20 PIECE COLORFUL SPRING CAPSULE
Tops (6)
White Tee
A classic, and for good reason. A white tee is perfect for layering or standing on its own.Ribbed Tank Top
Elevate your basics collection with a sleek and flattering tank. I prefer one that’s fitted so it looks polished.Striped Button Down
The striped button-down offers easy elegance. I love tucking it into trousers (keep scrolling to see).Linen Shirt
For warm spring days, a linen top is relaxed and breathable.One Shoulder Blouse
Make a statement in a quiet luxury sort of way with this incredibly chic top.Polo Sweater
Casual comfort looks polished with a cozy polo sweater. Go for a thicker version if spring is chilly in your city.Bottoms (5)
Light Wash Jeans
Denim deserves a place in your spring capsule closet. A light wash pair is perfect for daytime activities.
Straight Leg Trousers
A go-to piece for chic and versatile styling, trousers make you look like you have your life together.
White Jeans
I love a good pair of white jeans since they transition well from day to night. Simply swap shoes and jewelry to dress them up.
Long Denim Shorts
Denim shorts are a casual staple. A slightly longer pair offers more coverage.
Silk Maxi Skirt
Give a graceful charm to your look by slipping on a silk skirt. Pretty effortless.
Outerwear (4)
Trench Coat or Belted Wrap Coat
Wrap yourself up in a trench coat or belted wrap coat—perfect transitional pieces for breezy spring days.Leather Jacket
A well-made leather jacket will last you through the seasons. Since it works day or night, it’s a great multi-functional garment.Comfy Blazer
A knit or sweater-type blazer blends comfort and polish. I’m here for it. And when you realize all the ways you can wear it, you will be too.Buttoned Cardigan
Old faithful. A cardigan is your layering piece that effortlessly transitions from chilly mornings to balmy afternoons.Dresses (2)
Flattering Tank Dress
Enhance your figure in a tank dress. Looks good, feels good. You won’t want to take it off.Puff Sleeve Dress
A puff sleeve dress lends a romantic air to your look. Perfect if you enjoy a feminine wardrobe.Shoes (3)
Strappy Sandals
When it’s warm enough for open-toed shoes, whip out a pair of pretty strappy sandals.White Sneakers
Since white sneakers go with everything, you have every reason to include them in your spring wardrobe.Leather Loafers
Take your loafers from the office to social outings to running errands. They’re always chic.SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE OUTFITS
I promised you outfit inspo. So here are 9 spring ensembles for different occasions.
CASUAL SPRING OUTFITS
SPRING BRUNCH OUTFITS
SPRING WORK OUTFITS
HOW TO BUILD A SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE
KNOW YOUR CLIMATE
Spring is notorious for fickle weather. With showers one day and sunny skies the next, a versatile closet full of transitional pieces is a must. Fortunately, you can plan based on the weather patterns in your area to ensure you have something gorgeous to step out in, rain or shine.
If the weather in your city tends to heat up quickly, opt for pieces that you can layer up or down easily like
– cotton t-shirts
– buttoned cardigans
– light blazers
If your spring climate is on the colder side, opt for sturdier pieces like jeans and a leather jacket over breezy ones. You can even keep a few items from your winter capsule on hand for days when temps are low.
SET A COLOR PALETTE
For a truly interchangeable capsule, pieces need to go together effortlessly. This is where a cohesive color palette shines.
For simplicity’s sake, select two base colors for your capsule that will make up the bulk of your wardrobe (75%).
But it’s not a spring wardrobe without some color! Add in a supplementary and an accent color that will make up the other 25% of your garments.
Need help? Use my color palette guide here.
CHOOSE CORE CLOTHING PIECES
Next up, determine what clothing items you need for your day-to-day activities. Will you be
– in the office?
– traveling often?
– attending events?
Choose clothing that supports how you spend your time. Assessing your lifestyle provides the foundation for creating a functional spring capsule wardrobe.
Since I work from home, I include comfortable but polished basics that I can wear on Zoom calls, in a cafe, or out to run errands.
Take the time to think through what you like to wear and what suits your lifestyle. It’s worth it!
INVEST IN QUALITY CLOTHING
After deciding what you need out of your closet, you may notice gaps in your wardrobe. You can use a clothing rental service to fix this.
Maybe you have lots of statement tops but barely any solid ones. Perhaps you’ve accumulated a small army of jeans but there’s not a skirt in sight.
Remember, each piece in a capsule is meant to be worn again and again. Translation- your garments need to be well-constructed so they stand the test of time. When shopping, keep an eye out for capsule wardrobe stores that utilize top-notch materials.
SPRING WARDROBE ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
Spring staples are ready below. Or you can browse my full capsule wardrobe checklist here for a full list of essentials.
TOPS
– White Tee
– Ribbed Tank Top
– Striped Button-Down
– Linen Short Sleeve
– One Shoulder Blouse
– Polo Sweater
BOTTOMS
– Light Wash Jeans
– Straight Leg Trousers
– White Wide-Leg Jeans
– Long Denim Shorts
– Silk Maxi Skirt
OUTERWEAR
– Trench Coat
– Wrap Coat
– Leather Jacket
– Comfy Blazer
– Buttoned Cardigan
DRESSES
– Flattering Tank Dress
– Puff Sleeve Dress
SHOES
– Strappy Sandals
– White Sneakers
– Leather Loafers
YOUR SPRING WARDROBE QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
While sizes vary, aim for a spring capsule wardrobe of 20-30 pieces. The goal is a wardrobe that allows for multiple outfit options but doesn’t veer into the dreaded bloated closet territory. That way, you have all the essentials for creating outfits without the clutter of items you won’t wear.
Here’s the breakdown of my spring wardrobe above:
Tops (6)
Bottoms (5)
Dresses (2)
Outerwear (4)
Shoes (3)
Transitioning a wardrobe into spring is all about embracing the change in seasons and adjusting your clothing choices accordingly. Here’s how:
– Phase out thick winter sweaters and heavy coats gradually.
– Introduce lighter fabrics like cotton, linen, and lighter knits into your wardrobe.
– Layer clothing for flexibility in fluctuating temperatures.
– Swap out winter boots for lighter footwear options like sneakers or sandals.
Pay attention to accessories too. You can bring in a sun hat, a lighter scarf, and more to transition seamlessy.
Creating that perfect spring capsule wardrobe? It’s all about essentials that transition well during the changing weather. You should include:
- Lightweight Trench Coat: A versatile outerwear piece that effortlessly elevates any outfit while offering protection from spring showers.
- Flowy Midi Dress: Embrace elegance and comfort with a versatile midi dress that transitions effortlessly from day to night.
- White Tee: A timeless classic that pairs effortlessly with anything, perfect for layering or standing out on its own.
- Light Wash Jeans: Versatile and stylish, these jeans complement various tops and transition well from winter to spring.
- Breezy Blouse: Opt for a breezy blouse in a playful print or vibrant color to add a touch of spring to your wardrobe.
- Denim Jacket: An iconic piece that adds a casual yet chic vibe to any ensemble, ideal for cool spring evenings.
- Tailored Trousers: Versatile and refined, tailored trousers effortlessly transition from work to casual outings.
- Canvas Sneakers: Comfortable and stylish, canvas sneakers add a relaxed yet trendy touch to your spring looks.
- Light Scarf: A light scarf in a pastel shade or playful print serves as a stylish accessory and provides warmth on cooler days.
- Strappy Sandals: Embrace the warmer days with strappy sandals, perfect for adding a springtime vibe to your outfits.
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